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Matthew 6:3 NIV
[3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.3.NIV

A Life of Generosity

As Jesus was teaching people, there was a group of leaders who were not always the best role models. When these people helped others, they would boast about it and tell everybody the good deeds they did. They made sure to flaunt their good works publicly for everyone to notice them.

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:3 is directly related to what these leaders were doing. Jesus says that when we give to those in need, we shouldn’t let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. Essentially, our goal in giving to others should not be recognition. 

Jesus’ teaching is about the condition of our heart. If we’re giving to others for the sake of being recognized for doing good, then we’re not helping people with the right motives. This should not stop us from giving to others, but it should guide our motives for doing so.

When we help others, we should do so primarily for their benefit—not our own. This means there’s no need to broadcast it. Instead, we should have humility when giving to the needy. We should seek to help others because of Jesus’ love for them—not because our pride, ego, or sense of obligation compels us.

Thankfully, when our giving is shaped by Jesus’ love, our posture toward giving begins to transform. 2 Corinthians 9:7 further confirms this when Paul says we should never give under compulsion or while complaining, but instead, we should be cheerful in our giving. Why? Because God loves a cheerful giver. 

When we give humbly and cheerfully, it shows that our lives are being shaped by our generous God. 

God’s desire is for us to become people who give to others without expecting anything in return. That’s why Jesus encourages us to give freely to others without expecting recognition or credit.

So take some time to think about some people in your life who are in need. How can you help them? What practical needs can you meet? Think about how you can help them this week without bringing attention to yourself.

Psalms 143:8 NIV
[8] Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.143.8.NIV

Morning Mercies

Each morning, when the sun pours over the horizon, you have an opportunity.

David—who held many titles throughout his lifetime: shepherd, warrior, giant-slayer, King of Israel, and a man after God’s own heart—said it like this when he was talking to God:

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David recognized that each day was an opportunity…

TO HEAR OF GOD'S UNFAILING LOVE. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and His love endures forever (Psalm 118:2). But sometimes, we forget. Most times, we need to be reminded. Just as winter can’t be stopped from blooming into spring, we can’t stop the mercies of a brand new day.

TO TRUST HIM AGAIN. God is good, constant, faithful, merciful, honest, loving, unlimited, all-powerful, and the source of everything that exists. In fact, He can’t not be those things! No matter what we’re facing, we can know that He’s trustworthy. We can trust His character and we can trust His heart.
 
TO WATCH, LISTEN, AND DISCERN HIS LEADING. We can fix our eyes on the God who fixes His loving gaze onto us. Let us echo David’s words: “Show us where to walk…” Let us recognize His promptings, pay attention to His guidance, and listen for His “voice.” 

TO SURRENDER OUR LIVES TO HIM. We can cling to our plans, dismiss His warnings, and fight for self-sufficiency, or, we can give ourselves to Him—fully. When we rely on ourselves, we will never be enough. But when we die to ourselves, we are choosing to live for Him.

No matter how dark the night, the sun rises again. And when that morning light pours over the horizon, you have a fresh opportunity to draw near to the One who loves you.

Joshua 1:9 NIV
[9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jos.1.9.NIV

God is With You

Throughout the Bible, there are various moments when God tells someone to not be afraid. Each one comes at a time when the hearer has every reason to be very afraid. 

In one instance, Joshua, the leader of Israel after the death of Moses, was taking the Israelites to their promised land (see: Exodus 3). He was leading over one million people to a place God had promised, and it meant going through some overwhelming and terrifying situations. 

In the midst of this, God commanded Joshua to do two things: 

Obey the Word of God and, be strong and courageous because the Lord was with them. (See: Joshua 1:7-9)

In Matthew 28, Jesus says something similar just after His resurrection. He is with His eleven disciples and He tells them:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

Jesus tells His disciples two main things:

- Obey His word (“go into all nations and make disciples”) and, He would be with them.

- God is always the same. He was the same God when He gave Joshua His word and the assurance of His presence, and He is the same God who gives us His Word and assures us of His presence. We are known, loved, and cared for by the faithful, consistent God—and He will never leave or abandon us.

Today, reflect on the ways you can teach others about Jesus and His words. How does His Word and His presence make you strong and courageous? Take a moment to thank God for His promise to always be with you.

Romans 12:21 NIV
[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.21.NIV


Let Goodness Prevail

In the beginning, life was good—both physically and spiritually. In fact, God created everything that existed and called it very good. 

But that goodness was fractured when an enemy enticed God’s image-bearing people to question His goodness and doubt His trustworthiness. So, when Adam and Eve chose to disregard God’s instructions by eating from the only forbidden tree, their eyes were opened to two opposing forces: good and evil. 

The battle between good and evil isn’t just an overarching theme in the Bible, but a theme that permeates every continent, every culture, and every nation. It’s a theme that’s laced throughout books and movies, and one that plays out in real life. And the reason it’s so pervasive is because there's a real battle taking place. 

All these years, we’re still sharing this good-yet-fallen world. But, make no mistake, the Kingdom of Darkness is still warring against the Kingdom of Light. 

The apostle Paul gave some advice on this topic to the believers in Rome, writing: 

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:21‬ ‭NIV

In the same chapter, Paul explains practical ways to live this out: by rejecting evil, by clinging to good, by genuinely loving people, by blessing those who persecute you and refusing to take revenge on your enemies. 

This could also look like forgiving someone who’s harmed you, showing kindness to a stranger, or standing up for the poor, marginalized, and weak. Conquering evil with good requires sacrifice and surrender. It often means saying “no” to our human desire for retribution and retaliation, and choosing instead to humbly serve broken people like Jesus humbly and sacrificially served us.

We do have an enemy—whose mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. To confuse, pervert, and divide. To deceive, distract, and dismantle.

But more importantly, we have a God—whose mission is to redeem, revive, and restore. He specializes in putting broken things back together. He is able to bring the dead back to life and make all things new.  

So when you see evil wreaking havoc across the world, in the lives of the people around you, and even in your own heart, remember … God is bigger. God is greater. You aren’t in this battle alone. And because we already know the end of the story, we can fight from a place of victory! 

Just as darkness can’t exist when it’s flooded with light, evil can’t prevail when it’s overpowered with good. So today, think of some ways you can fight evil by doing good to those around you.

2 Peter 3:9 NIV
[9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2pe.3.9.NIV

God’s Heart For All People

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 
John 3:16 NASB

The verse above is the essence of the Gospel. The Gospel means good news, and it’s God’s plan to save us from eternal separation from Him. 

Our sin separated us from God’s perfection. And because of that, we could not have a personal relationship with Him. Knowing that we could not get to Him on our own, God sent Jesus to us to make things right. Jesus did what no one else could do—He lived a perfect life, He died for us, and then He conquered death by coming back to life. It’s His resurrection that led to our reconciliation with God—and that’s good news! 

Here are a three key things to remember about the Gospel:

God Loves Everyone 
John 3:16 doesn’t say that God loved some of the people in the world. It says He loves the world … that means everyone who inhabits it. God’s heart is for all people. The Gospel is for everyone.

God Wants Everyone
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 
2 Peter 3:9 NASB 

Jesus has promised to come back for His people, and God always keeps His promises. We might grow impatient waiting for Him to return, but we can take comfort in knowing that His waiting is for our benefit. He wants to give everyone an opportunity to know Him personally. 

God Sends Everyone
The last thing Jesus told His followers before He returned to heaven was to go and make disciples everywhere. We aren’t all called to other countries, but we are all called to share His good news with everyone we know.

There are people who need the love and hope we have in Jesus. So if Jesus is our Savior, then let’s live like it. Let’s offer our praise to God for who He is, and worship Him through the way we live our lives. Let’s ask Him to help us see how much He loves everyone.  

As we patiently wait for God to return, let us purposefully live each day for His glory.

That’s why we’re here.

Proverbs 18:24 NIV
[24] One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.18.24.NIV


True Friendship

Would you rather have hundreds of “friends” who know you, but don’t really know you—who call you a friend, but only when it’s convenient? Or, would you rather have one true friend who always sticks by your side?

The writer of Proverbs, typically attributed to King Solomon, said this:

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Some friends come into our lives because of proximity: you work at the same business, your kids go to the same school, or you frequent the same places. But just because you know someone’s name and follow each other on social media, doesn’t mean you’re true friends.

When it comes to genuine friendship, quality over quantity is key.

Even the truest of friends will occasionally let you down, because no one is perfect—except Jesus. He is the truest friend of all. 

Learning from Jesus’ example, there are certain characteristics that describe a true and godly friend …

Do they love God? A true friend is one who will ultimately point you back to your Creator and Savior. Who will wrestle through your questions and doubts with you, without judgment or condemnation. Who will speak the truth in love, even when it’s hard. Who will seek to glorify God and honor you as their friend.

Are they willing to work through the hard stuff? Most people are happy to be friends when things are easy, positive, and thriving, but not as many stick around when life gets tough. When you’re sick, when you’re discouraged, when you’ve been misunderstood, or when one of you needs to be lovingly corrected, you need more than just a fair-weather friend. 

Are they willing to look beyond themselves? In John 15:13 Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus modeled this by giving His life for ours. They might not have to sacrifice their physical life, but are they willing to serve the people they love? Are they willing to put God first, others second, and themselves third?

All these questions are great guidelines when looking for solid friendships. But before you look for a friend with these characteristics, first make sure you look in the mirror. If you want to have these friendships, then you need to be the kind of friend who lives out these characteristics with integrity and grace. Be the true friend you desire.

Ephesians 5:1 NIV
[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.5.1.NIV

Be Imitators

Children learn to function in real life by imitating those around them.

They learn to speak by listening to their family’s words and copying what they hear. They learn to interact with others by observing how their loved ones interact with others. They learn what’s culturally and socially appropriate by watching and imitating.

They learn how to eat, play, read, pray, cook, fish, braid, draw, garden, build, worship, invest, and navigate relationships by noticing and mimicking those around them.

And it doesn’t stop with children. People will often reflect those closest to them, as well as their environment.

Perhaps that’s why, while writing from the confines of a Roman prison, the apostle Paul gave the believers in Ephesus a heartfelt charge:

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul knew that loving and reflecting God was foundational. What we observe will get repeated and, eventually, passed along. The fancy word for this concept is discipleship—where we learn from those we trust and teach others what we’ve learned.

Regardless of where we’re at in life, we’re all being discipled by something. That’s why we should carefully consider who we are listening to and following.

It is vital to build our lives on Truth.

It’s already in our God-given makeup to reflect God. But as humans, we still have to intentionally remember who and whose we are, which is the first step in becoming more like Christ.

Psalms 37:4 NIV
[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.37.4.NIV


What’s Inside?

Throughout God’s Word, we see a lot of attention paid to the human heart. In fact, in Scripture, the heart was thought to be the center of physical and spiritual life. 

In our current culture, the heart is often a metaphor for our emotions. But in the Bible, the heart represents the soul and mind—it’s a way of displaying wisdom and character. The heart in the Bible is a lot like how we think about the brain today, or a combination of the head and the heart.  

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Luke 6:45 NIV

When Jesus speaks of the heart being a source of good or bad, He means that the things that we think about have a way of showing up in our lives. Our thoughts influence our outward actions. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.
Philippians 4:8 NIV

If our inward thoughts are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, then we will produce outward good for God’s glory. These traits are cultivated through prayer and personal time spent with God. 

Our thoughts and desires are not always the same as God’s thoughts, but as we deepen our relationship with Him, our desires begin to look more like His. When we delight in God, God loves to give us what we desire, because what we want will reflect who God is.

So take a moment today and praise God for who He is. As you worship Him, let God reshape your heart and renew your mind so your desires better reflect His will.

Isaiah 25:1 NIV
[1] Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.25.1.NIV


Worshiping a Good God

Worshiping God is one of the most central and basic aspects of the Christian life. God’s people actively worship Him all throughout Scripture. The Bible is filled with songs and poems dedicated to worshiping God.

While we often think of worship as singing songs of praise, worship can be much more than that. Actually, when we limit our worship of God to only singing, we miss out on a vital aspect of the Christian life.

Worship in Scripture is more than just singing. It is rightly thinking about and praising God for who He is and what He has done. Worship happens when we recognize God as God—when we’re in awe of His character and His provisions.

This means that we can worship God at any moment of our day. When we thank God for His kindness, that is worship. When we are in awe of His beauty, that is worship.

In Isaiah 25:1, the prophet Isaiah praises God in this way. Isaiah thanks God for being who He is, for being a very personal God to him. He also worships God for His faithfulness, which is an aspect of God’s character. Lastly, Isaiah praises God for all of the wonderful things He has done.

Isaiah may not have been singing a song at the time, but his words and actions tell us that he was worshiping God for who He is and what He has done. Isaiah was in awe of how great and wonderful God is.

Spend some time today thinking about God. Consider His character, that He is good, faithful, and loving. Think about the things He has blessed you with. Sit for a few minutes in awe of God and simply worship Him.

Matthew 13:44 NIV
[44] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.13.44.NIV

The Greatest Treasure

Matthew 13:44 contains some of the most impactful imagery in all of Scripture...

Just imagine for a moment: You are walking across a field and stumble upon an ancient treasure, forgotten by the whole world. You realize the plot of land is for sale. What would you do? How quickly would you sell everything you have to buy the field with the treasure? Fast? Of course! You’ve found something of great value, worth so much more than anything you had before!

Jesus uses this imagery to illustrate the Kingdom of heaven. When you discover the true value of something like that, you give all you have to grab hold of it, to be part of it, to have it for yourself. 

And what is the Kingdom of heaven?

The Kingdom of heaven is God’s will on earth. It’s the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that we can be set free from sin and walk in His mercy and grace. The Kingdom of heaven is right now, and it's an invitation to you. 

Have you discovered it? The joy, energy, excitement of finding priceless treasure in a field is what it feels like to realize that you are invited to be part of the Kingdom of God. Take a moment to take that in. You are invited. Have you said ‘yes’? Will you?

Because when you say ‘yes,’ the value of anything else simply does not match the value of this Kingdom. The scripture doesn’t say that the man went to sell all he had to buy the field in sorrow, uncertainty, or fear. It says he went in joy. 

He went in joy because the treasure he found was so incredible—And he got to be part of it. You do, too.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
[13] Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

https://bible.com/bible/111/ecc.12.13.NIV

What’s the Point?

There once lived a king whose experience exploring and grappling with life’s perplexities was recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes.

What’s interesting is that this king—likely King Solomon—reigned in Israel during some of the best years in its history. From the world’s standards, he had more power, prestige, and wealth than any other person before him. Yet, still, he summarized his luxuries with one depressing word: Meaningless!

“Everything is meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) “Everything is wearisome beyond description.” (Ecclesiastes 1: “Nothing under the sun is truly new.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) “I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Though written thousands of years ago, this bleak analysis still resonates with our own restless yearning for more. We want more than meaningless stuff. We want more than surface-level connections and ambitions. We want more than a seemingly thriving, yet secretly unsatisfied life. We want more—but what we want doesn’t typically satisfy us.

Like the author of Ecclesiastes, we might find ourselves asking: “What is the point of life?”

By the end of the book, “the Teacher” has tried to find meaning in everything under the sun, and he concludes his reflections with these powerful words…

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

We can chase after everything this world has to offer and it might bring temporary pleasure. But in the end, pursuing those things apart from God will always leave us empty.

The great news is, there’s a God in heaven who created and loves us, and He understands what we really need. He knows that life is best when we follow His design for life. He is worthy of our awe, our honor, and our worship.

So, fear God and keep His commandments. Love Him with everything in you and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the point. Only then will life no longer be meaningless.

1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
[11] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1ch.16.11.NIV

Desperate for Him

It’s tempting to think we’re strong, we’re capable, and “we’ve got this.” But in reality, we are powerless on our own. We desperately need God—every moment of every day.

We wouldn’t be here if He didn’t create us. We wouldn’t live if He didn’t sustain us. We wouldn’t flourish if He didn’t guide, protect, and empower us. 

The author of 1 Chronicles knew the importance of depending on God. He said:

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In a world that’s constantly focused on itself, it’s crucial to recognize our need to depend on God. We need His strength, we need His power, and—to put it simply—we just need Him! 

If you’re feeling confident in your own self-sufficiency, ask yourself: Who made this world? Who created my body, my mind, and my soul? My eyes, my legs, my lungs? Who has the power to save—or to destroy? Who holds the keys to life?

Just as we continually need air, we need the power and presence of God to sustain our every move. 

So how can we seek His strength and presence continually? By staying connected to Him: talking to Him throughout the day, prioritizing Him in the midst of busy schedules, humbly asking for His power. 

God will never deny a heart that is genuinely seeking Him. 

So come to Him with your weakness and He will give you strength. Come to Him with your questions, your needs, and your wants, and He will give you Himself. And that is the very best thing of all.

John 14:6 NIV
[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.6.NIV

Acts 20:24 NIV
[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.20.24.NIV

The Mission of God

All of our lives are spent on something.

Most people spend their days focused on growing a family, building a career, or amassing possessions. While none of those things are necessarily wrong, they can become distractions from our ultimate goal in life.

In the book of Acts, we see Paul’s transformation in Christ. As a result of meeting Jesus and being changed by His grace, Paul spends the rest of his life preaching the good news of Jesus.

For Paul, God’s grace and salvation were so great that nothing on this earth could compare to doing His work.

Paul said that nothing in his life mattered as much as telling others about God’s grace. His goal in life was to finish his own race well by faithfully accomplishing as much of the mission of God as possible:

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
Acts 20:24 NIV

The mission of God is not opposed to growing families or building careers. In fact, God desires for us to use those opportunities to faithfully accomplish the mission of God. We can raise families in the way of God, and we can tell our coworkers about God’s grace. Any place we find ourselves in can be an opportunity to accomplish the mission of God.

Take a moment to consider your own life and how you spend your time. Are you using every opportunity you have to spread the good news of Jesus? Does your life, like Paul’s, point toward God?

Consider a few ways that you can begin to change your perspective and live your life on mission for God.

Hebrews 12:11 NIV
[11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.12.11.NIV

Perseverance Brings a Harvest

Have you ever started something new, but gave up after a few tries? Maybe you tried to create a new morning routine or a Bible reading habit, only to give up after a few weeks. It can be hard to build enough discipline to start something new—or to change.

It can also be challenging to receive discipline from someone. Maybe you remember being disciplined as a kid by your parent. Or maybe you’ve faced discipline at work for a mistake you made.

In either case, discipline is hard and takes a lot of work.

Scripture says that for those who endure discipline, and persevere, there is a harvest of righteousness and peace waiting for them. However, it doesn’t happen easily and often makes us uncomfortable. We have to be trained through discipline to create godly habits that will then produce righteousness and peace in our lives.

Take some time today to consider: Where can you allow the Holy Spirit to build discipline in your life? What daily habits should you begin working on today? 

Building discipline into your life is worth it—with the results being peace and a desire for righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
[7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.4.7.NIV


Keep the Faith

In the book of 2 Timothy, we find Paul writing a letter to Timothy, a fellow missionary. Many Bible scholars believe that this was the last letter Paul wrote before his death and that he wrote it from a Roman prison cell. Reflecting on his own life and believing that his death is coming soon, Paul writes that powerful passage:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV

Faithful. 

Paul was faithful to God and, without end, God was faithful to Paul. Shipwrecked. Stoned. Abandoned by friends. Imprisoned. The list of what Paul ‌suffered goes on and on. But he ‌persevered. He ‌remained steadfast in his devotion to Christ. 

When you think about your life, what do you want to be able to say at the end? What will you see when you look back? 

In Paul, we see an example of what it is to cling to faith in Christ. He knew what it was to be dependent on God for everything. He drew strength from God because he could not do it without him. 

In our own lives, we will face moments of doubt or discouragement. Let us hold fast to the truth of God's Word, knowing that He is faithful and will never leave us. May it be said of us, at the end of our lives, that we, too, fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV
[14] For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

https://bible.com/bible/111/hab.2.14.NIV

2 John 1:6 NIV
[6] And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2jn.1.6.NIV


Love One Another

Jesus gave a new command to His disciples toward the end of His life. He said to them… 

“A new commandment I give you to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” 
John 13:34-35 ESV

John later wrote to Christians reminding them of this command. He said...

“And now I ask you … that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments: this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning so that you should walk in it.” 
2 John 1:5-6 ESV

John taught that it was an act of love when Christians obeyed Jesus by loving one another. 

This was important because it would show the world that they were His disciples. Christ-followers who loved one another despite their differences in race, country, background, and experience showed how much the saving grace and love of Jesus could change and save people. 

This is still a command for us. 

The love we have for one another is vital to what others see when they look at Jesus' followers. If people who don’t believe in Jesus see Christians loving each other in the midst of difficult or violent times, it will be a picture of the love God has for all of us. 

It’s while we were still sinners that Christ died for us. It’s while we were apart from God that He loved us. He loved us enough to die for us. This is the kind of love we are to have for one another. 

So think of some ways you can show love to other believers in Jesus. By doing so, you will obey your Lord Jesus and you will be walking in His ways.

Proverbs 23:24 NIV
[24] The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.23.24.NIV

Godly and Wise

If you’re a parent or a parent-figure, you know that raising children can be one of the greatest joys you ever experience, and one of the biggest challenges you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.  
 
In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?
 
While there are different ways, here are two to start with...

Find a Christ-centered community:
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, or invite like-minded friends over for dinner.
 
Teach kids to ask for help:  
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear. 
 
It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help our kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom. 
 
Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.
 
Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this: 
 
The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise. 
 
Before you leave this devotional, reflect on this: What’s one thing I can do today to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?

Romans 12:10 NIV
[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.10.NIV

Let's Love People Well

You were created for community. When God designed humans, He made us with the intention of placing us within a loving family. Today, we call that family the Church.

God’s original intention was that we would exist within a family of other believers. He didn’t intend for us to exist in isolation or be separated from other people. Life was not meant to be lived alone. 

Regardless of what your family experience was like, God intended for His family to be loving and caring. And it’s the qualities of God’s family that Paul is writing about in Romans 12. Paul says to be devoted to one another in love. That means that we are to walk alongside other people through the various seasons of life. We should never abandon people when life gets hard.

Paul also encourages us to honor others. Instead of seeking self-recognition, we should honor and encourage each other. Instead of pursuing what seems best for us, we should seek the good of other people first.

Devotion and honor are just two aspects of loving people well, but Jesus said that the world will recognize us as His disciples by the way that we love. This means that we have to genuinely love others—not just pretend to love them. And the place we need to start showing genuine honor is within our spiritual family. Rather than letting self-promotion divide the family of God, our goal should be to honor those around us. 

If we won’t learn how to love people who follow Jesus, then we won’t know how to love people who don’t. 

That’s why we should frequently pause and take an assessment on how we are doing at loving others. So take a moment right now to think about the ways in which you loved and honored people this past week. Write down two or three things you can do to continue to show love to those in your life.

1 Peter 4:16 NIV
[16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.4.16.NIV


Patient Endurance

When we become Christians, we might be tempted to cling to a false belief that our lives will be problem-free. But the truth is: everyone experiences suffering. However, when you belong to Jesus, you don’t go through painful situations alone. And whatever hardships you face, it’s not the end of your story. 

God sees us on the best and worst days of our lives, but His love for us does not change. 

He understands our deepest suffering because He experienced it Himself when He became Immanuel, “God with us.” When we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, God can show us how to find rest. When we give our burdens to Him, He can refresh our heavy hearts. 

God can handle our pain because He understands our hardships. 

He is trustworthy and faithful. Even when our circumstances feel dark and hopeless, we can trust that He will carry us through every situation.

Suffering is a part of being human, but we honor God by handing our hardships over to Him, and looking for the ways that He's at work in our situations. 

Today, spend some time with God and talk to Him about your hurts. Ask Him to comfort you, and tell Him what you need in order to face your circumstances with courage and strength.

Philippians 4:13 KJV
[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

https://bible.com/bible/1/php.4.13.KJV


Strength in Every Season

Philippians 4:13 is a popular Bible verse that you may have seen posted on coffee mugs, social media, or even cars. Maybe you’ve heard someone recite this verse before a sporting event or while trying to accomplish a difficult task.

Unfortunately, this verse is often misunderstood. This verse is not saying that we can accomplish whatever we want. Paul isn’t talking about winning a football game or having the courage to do something daring.

Instead, Paul is actually talking about his time in prison. He is referencing the power of God that was with him during this difficult time of ministry.

In Philippians 4:12 he talks about the power he has to live content in every situation in life. He learned how to live with abundance and with nothing. He learned to live with very little food and resources, and also with abundant food and resources.

Paul found that regardless of his circumstances, God continued to supply him with the power to do the work of God. He never lacked the strength and resources to tell others about the good news of Jesus—even while he was stuck in a prison.

Paul could live in every season of life and accomplish all that God asked of him through the strength that God gave him.

So, instead of God giving us strength to do anything we want, He gives us the strength we need to endure various circumstances and accomplish the mission that He's given us. This means that you will never lack any resource to live a growing and godly life, or to share the good news of Jesus with others.

If you’re in a season of abundance or a season of lack, remember that God is the one who gives you the strength to endure every season. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, ask God to supply you with the strength that only He can give.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
[8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.9.8.NIV
An Abundance of Blessing

Do you pray for God to bless you? We probably spend most of our time in prayer asking for God to bless things in our life, or asking God for something we need. And we should. Jesus even tells us we should.

We know that all good things come from God. That means that we don't truly own anything we possess. It's all a gift from God and ultimately should be used for Him. Our money, talents, and resources are opportunities to give back to God and others.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says that God is able to abundantly bless those who are generous in using their time and resources to do good things for others. This verse isn't saying that God will bless us unconditionally. The two verses before this one, in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, talk about how we should be cheerful givers in everything we do.

Paul is saying that God blesses us—not so we might have comfortable lives—but so that we would be selfless in giving back to God and others.

There are many ways we can give back to God and others. We can start by regularly tithing to our local church, which is an investment in the Kingdom work God is doing through local believers. We can give generously to those who are in financial need. We can also be generous with our time, talents, resources, and anything else we can use to serve God and others.

Next time you pray for God to bless you, take some time to first think about how you are helping others. If giving feels more like an obligation and not like an opportunity, consider how you can take steps to change that perspective and give regularly. And then—watch how God honors your joyful generosity.

Romans 5:3-4 NIV
[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope.

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.5.3-4.NIV


Joy in Hard Times

Nobody enjoys suffering. It’s hard to find joy in the midst of trials or difficult seasons—it’s much easier to feel sadness or misery.

That’s why Paul’s encouragement in Romans 5 may sound contradictory. Paul was writing this to the church in Rome experiencing suffering from ungodly rulers, and yet he encourages them to rejoice in their suffering. 

It wasn’t enough to just endure suffering—he tells them to have joy. Paul knew that it wasn’t natural to be joyful in hard times, but through the work of Jesus, Christians have peace with God and access to faith (Romans 5:1-2). Faith allows us to hold onto the hope that suffering isn’t the end of our story. 

Because we know that God works within our difficult situations, we can have patience and perseverance for God to complete His work. Perseverance refines our character. As we wait on God, we become people who look more like Jesus, and our trust in God grows stronger. This increases hope within us. 

It’s not easy to have hope when you're suffering. But as we trust in God, we are strengthened to continue to endure. When we look at suffering from God’s perspective, we begin to realize that He is working to bring glory to Himself in every situation.

God has shown us through the Holy Spirit that He loves us. He suffered and gave Himself for us so that we could have a relationship with Him, and He will continue to give us everything we need to live a life that honors Him.

So consider how God is working in your life, even through difficult seasons. Think about the ways God has poured His love into you through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for strength to persevere, and let that perseverance develop into a strong character that hopes and trusts in God even in hard times. And when persevering gets difficult, hold onto this truth: God has given everything for you, and He will never leave your side.

Psalms 94:19 NIV
[19] When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.94.19.NIV

God is Our Comfort

Have you ever looked around you and wondered, “Why is there so much evil, wickedness, and pain in the world?” 

In Psalm 94, King David is extremely upset about the state of humanity. People are blaming God for the world’s rampant wickedness as though God did not see it and did not care (see verses 1-7). So David reminds his audience that the Lord is Creator, and He knows, sees, and hears all that goes on (verses 8-11). 

Because of God, David could say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Verse 19)

King David’s “cares of the heart” were because of the wickedness and evil he saw—and our world is not much different. But David’s consolation in all the evil he witnessed was his Creator and Savior. 

That’s why He could close his psalm by writing, “But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their inquiry and wipe them out for their wickedness, the LORD our God will wipe them out.” (Verses 22-23)

This isn’t the most pleasant psalm to read. It’s full of pain and anger, sorrow and injustice. But, it’s a prayer of hope and perspective which we can learn from.

There is wickedness, injustice, and war all around us. But in the midst of pain and brokenness, we can follow King David’s example and look to God for comfort and peace. God took care of our shame and sin through the death of Jesus Christ, and He will one day take care of all wickedness and evil. 

Until then, like David, we can say, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” (Psalm 94:19)

And then we can live that verse out by bringing God our hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns.

So right now, think about the cares you have that need to be given to God. How can knowing God cheer your soul?

1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
[8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

https://bible.com/bible/111/1ti.4.8.NIV

Staying in Spiritual Shape

When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart—physical health matters.

In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God.

But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s not enough on its own. We need something more—something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness.

Godliness isn’t just about avoiding bad habits. It’s about shaping our lives around God’s presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—strengthens our souls.

When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn’t just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life—mentally, physically, and spiritually—starts with seeking Him first.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV
[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.12.1.NIV

Run Your Race

We all know it—life isn’t easy.

Sometimes challenges can arise that are so difficult we may want to throw in the towel. Whether it's an overwhelming circumstance, the demands of family life, or the pressures of work, it can sometimes feel like too much. When we find ourselves wanting to quit, the book of Hebrews gives us a powerful encouragement to hold onto:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 NIV

“Witnesses” refer to believers who have gone before us, those whose lives are a testament of faithfulness to God. Their presence reminds us that we're part of a larger story, a legacy of faith that spans generations.

This scripture also urges believers to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Hindrances may be easy to see, such as sinful distractions that hold us back from fully running after God. They may also be internal, like fear and shame. Whatever form they may come in, we throw them off.

And yet, we don't just throw off things that entangle us and sit down. As the writer of Hebrews says, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." The call is to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the journey may seem. Guided by grace and fueled by faith, we can press on.

Proverbs 12:25 NIV
[25] Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.12.25.NIV

Fight Fear with Hope

It seems there’s always something to worry about: natural disasters, current (and potential) wars, shaky finances, relational brokenness, unmet expectations, political/cultural/racial divisions, senseless violence, our kids, our jobs, our health, and more—much more. But many of the things we fear are largely out of our control.

We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose our response.

You can constantly be worried, negative, anxious, fearful, critical, and bitter. Or, you can be known for seeing the good in people, choosing joy, offering encouragement, looking for God’s fingerprints, and always finding something to be grateful for. In either case, the cycle feeds itself. 

Like hummingbirds are attracted to sweet things while vultures scour the earth for dead things, we will always find what we are looking for. Why? Because darkness and light both exist. Good and evil are everyday realities. And we must decide who we’ll trust, and how we’ll spend our lives. 

There are plenty of scary things happening in the world, but—because of Jesus—there is always good.

Even on our darkest days, Jesus is the light of the world. He’s already carrying the weight of the world on His shoulders, which means we don’t have to. He has already made a way where there was no way, which means we can follow the path He has blazed. The Holy Spirit is already compelling us and leading us and teaching us and comforting us, which means we’re not alone.

The hope we have in Christ isn’t just wishful thinking or positive vibes. It's hope that’s based on truth—on facts and faith.

So what can we do? The Bible says:

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We can fight anxiousness with hope.
We can ward off worry with truth-filled encouragement.
We can resist fear by offering life-giving words.
We can refuse to settle for living scared.
We can expose the darkness to light.

So the next time you feel anxiety and fear weighing down your heart, ask God for help and encouragement. Remember, He is closer than a prayer away.

Matthew 7:12 NIV
[12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.12.NIV

Psalms 23:4 NIV
[4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.23.4.NIV

He Comforts Us

In ancient Israel, the rod and staff of a shepherd protected and guided the sheep, and even reminded the sheep that the shepherd was there. And so King David (who was a shepherd as a boy) used the metaphor in Psalm 23:4 to convey this truth: God was his protector and guide. 

King David faced death many times and had enemies bent on killing him. He also dealt with his own sin issues and personal mistakes. But in the midst of all this, he repeatedly turned his attention to the faithfulness and assurances of God. 

Where did he find these assurances? 

King David would have been a student of the Hebrew Scripture, the Torah—the first five books in our Bibles. 

To a Hebrew, the Torah wasn’t just a story about God, it was the very Word of God. It was authority, promise, and guide. It was this Word that David based his life—and his psalms—upon. David could write about God’s character because:

1. He knew the Word of God.
2. He experienced the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that Word.

We, too, have this—and more. We have the revealed Word of God from the ancient prophets in the Old Testament, the words of Jesus while on earth, and the revealed words of Jesus through the apostles and authors of the New Testament. In other words, we have what David had:

1. We have the Word of God.
2. We can experience the faithfulness and goodness of God based on that word. 

Read what Jesus said to His disciples:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. 
John 16:33 ESV

Like David, we don’t have anything to fear, because God is near—and He is our comfort. Knowing Scripture helps us confidently believe that God is and will be a faithful protector, guide, and presence to those who love Him. So today, commit to getting God’s words deep within you.

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
[10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.12.10.NIV

The Strength of God in Us

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented.

But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble.

Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone.

That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty.

Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture. God’s strength worked through Paul’s weakness to accomplish things Paul couldn’t do on his own.

This perspective changes how we live. It’s in moments of anxiety, weakness, or difficulty, that God desires to be our strength. It’s in times of persecution and hardship that God is doing some of His deepest work within our lives. If we are in relationship with Him and depending on His strength, then He will be with us in times of weakness. He promises to be our strength in difficulty.

Luke 1:46-47 NIV
[46] And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.1.46-47.NIV


The Story God is Writing

Mary had quite the unique journey to motherhood. An unmarried virgin, she carried the Son of God. Mary could have easily felt lonely or isolated, but she was not alone in the story God was writing.

For decades, Mary’s relative Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah prayed and asked God for a child. After many years, God answered their prayers. When an angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world, she went straight to Elizabeth, who was a few months along in her own miraculous pregnancy.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting upon her arrival, the baby in her womb leapt and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaiming, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42)

Keep in mind, Mary had only just found out about her pregnancy. It would have been so easy, so understandable to be overwhelmed, afraid, or distressed. Mary had not even yet wed her husband, Joseph. And yet, watch the trust and confidence in her response:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

They celebrated the work of God together. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months. Imagine the conversations they must’ve had: prophecies fulfilled, the future of the Kingdom of God, what would their sons’ lives look like?

Mary made a choice to rejoice in the story God was writing, a story of trust and celebrating the work of God. 

Today, how does Mary’s story encourage you to trust God? What is your response to the story God is writing in your life? Take a moment to reflect on how you can glorify in the Lord and rejoice in God today.